Silly Excuses

"Careful, little elf," Adrien murmured, his voice a velvet growl that skimmed over her lips, dangerously low and full of promise. His breath fanned across her skin, warm and intoxicating, brushing her like a warning… or an invitation.

Alicia's heart thudded in her chest. Her breath came shallow, and her lashes fluttered, but she didn't look away. She couldn't. Even though her body tensed and heat flushed her cheeks, her eyes stayed on his, wide and unsure—but unwavering.

A quiet sound rumbled from Adrien's chest, deep and dark. A laugh, perhaps—but one with no softness. Only hunger.

His mouth hovered near hers, close enough to taste. "Every time you test me like this," he said, voice dipping into something almost dangerous, "I get closer to proving you'll never walk away from me."

And then—slowly, as if to test her right back—he reached down and picked up one of the bunny-shaped apple slices. He held it between his fingers and raised it to her lips.